Animal lover Alexandra Gilmour is in line for a bravery award after dragging an unconscious dog from a smoked-filled room and saving its life by giving the hound the kiss of life.

Tolstoy, a huge German Shepherd-Rottweiler cross, was overcome by fumes after a dishwasher caught fire as he slept in the kitchen of his owner's home in Little Coxwell, near Faringdon.

Alexandra came to the rescue after the family pet became trapped in the home of her mother-in-law Barbara Gilmour.

Alexandra, who is deputy manager at the Burford Blue Cross animal sanctuary, lives opposite and helped drag Tolstoy out of the house and gave him the kiss of life.

Tolstoy, himself a Blue Cross rescue dog, started to breathe again and was given oxygen by firefighters.

The hound was then treated for smoke inhalation by Faringdon-based vet Barton Stephen. Alexandra also needed treatment. She has been nominated for a bravery award by her manager Lynn Rogers through the charity Animal Aid.

Alexandra said: "I really can't say much more about it.

"I was just so glad I could rescue Tolstoy. You could not wish for a more wonderful dog.

"He still has a bit of a cough but we have been told it takes the lungs quite a time to recover," added Alexandra.

Mrs Gilmour said: "I am so thrilled Alexandra has been nominated for an award, she was incredibly brave and her actions certainly saved Tolstoy's life."

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